November 25, 2006 marked the 5th anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK). Since its establishment on November 25, 2001, the Commission has been the primary safeguard and promoter of human rights in Korea. It has been hosting numerous events in celebration of its 5th anniversary.
For the two-week period from November 25 to December 10 (58th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), the NHRCK has been holding a wide range of cultural events, conducting human rights campaigns, and hosting debates in order to publicize the progress it has made and raise the awareness of human rights.
On November 24, a ceremony commemorating the 5th anniversary of its establishment was held at the Kim Koo Museum and Library in Hyochang Park with more than 300 attendees including former Chairperson and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kim Dae-jung, major officials from the legislature, judiciary, and administration, former and incumbent Human Rights Commissioners, contributors to the establishment of the NHRCK, and civic human rights rganizations members.
Drawing much applaud during the ceremony, a public relations video reporting the headway made by the NHRCK as well as congratulatory video messages from overseas and domestic dignitaries including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Louise Arbour, chairman of the ICC, chairs of national human rights institutions around the world. It was followed by congratulatory speeches by distinguished guests, presentation of plaques of gratitude to contributors to the establishment of the NHRCK, and the conferring of the 2006 Human Rights Thesis Award.
Touching performances such as a congratulatory concert by pop singer Ahn Chi-hwan and the Hansei University Orchestra and a human rights performance named “Speak Truth to Power”, an adaptation of Ms. Kerry Kennedy’s book titled “Speak Truth to Power”, were also held.
On its 5th anniversary, the NHRCK is widely seen as having done much to improve the human rights in Korea and redress the people’s grievances. In the commemorative ceremony, the NHRCK reaffirmed that it would stand in the vanguard of a crusade against human rights violations and discrimination in society.
